The matching of Kilts and accessories.

**JohntheBiker** · 7th August 12, 06:21 AM

Originally Posted by Friday

My question is that you have not identified the type of function that would require a Prince Charles jacket. I can think of very few functions the average person will be going to that would require the wearing of tails coats/PCs by the men. A nice Argyle with vest would fill 95% to 100% of the social events for most people.

If you attend a black tie function around here, 98% will be wearing a PC. For most of us, that means the St. Andrews Ball and one or more Burns suppers. Have been known to wear the PC to non-highland black tie events, but you can't be shy if you want to pull that off.

The St. Andrews Ball in Toronto is co-hosted by the St. Andrew's Society and the 48th Highlanders of Canada, so you also get a fair number in highland mess kit.

**creagdhubh** · 7th August 12, 09:19 AM

I don't necessarily see anything terribly wrong with wearing a PC coatee, as I use to own one myself; however, with so many people wearing them and the fact that there are numerous alternatives available in regards to Highland evening attire, I don't see a reason why this would prevent someone from "branching out."

Cheers,

**Tobus** · 7th August 12, 10:50 AM

Originally Posted by creagdhubh

I don't necessarily see anything terribly wrong with wearing a PC coatee, as I use to own one myself; however, with so many people wearing them and the fact that there are numerous alternatives available in regards to Highland evening attire, I don't see a reason why this would prevent someone from "branching out."

Cheers,

Here it comes, Kyle. You ready for it?

***!

I find it oddly humorous, and not a little ironic, that guys who wear kilts would intentionally want to look like everyone else. Highland attire, unlike Saxon attire, offers wonderful opportunities for individualism while still fitting in with the conventions or dress codes. Wearing a particular style of jacket solely for the purpose of looking like everyone else seems to be an attempt to inject Saxon dress mentality into an area where it doesn't belong.

If I had the choice between wearing a PC to match the other 98% of guests, or wearing a black Argyll and still meeting the expected level of dress, guess which one I'd choose.

**David Thorpe** · 7th August 12, 11:30 AM

Double *** - Kyle and Tobus

I don't own a PC and don't foresee one in the near future. My black Argyle covers my formal needs nicely.

**Phil** · 7th August 12, 11:38 AM

Originally Posted by Tobus

If I had the choice between wearing a PC to match the other 98% of guests, or wearing a black Argyll and still meeting the expected level of dress, guess which one I'd choose.

But sadly you would not be meeting the expected level of dress. Turning up to an event where a tuxedo is required in an Argyll is tantamount to arriving in a lounge suit. Whatever you have been led to believe, an Argyll jacket is daywear only. It is fine for daytime weddings or funerals and is the highlandwear dress of choice for church elders at Holy Communion. Arriving at a formal evening event in an Argyll marks the wearer out as a 'hayseed' as I believe your compatriots would say. It simply is inappropriate for the occasion and should not be worn. Doublets are a moveable feast and can be worn from formal with a bow tie to uber formal with lace jabot and cuffs. The exception might be the military or montrose doublet which, by historical association, is quite acceptable and is only worn with lace jabot.
How one dresses is, of course, a matter of personal choice. In a society unacustomed to kilt wearing I can quite imagine that 'anything goes' so carry on regardless. Elsewhere, however, you may find that different standards prevail.

**JohntheBiker** · 7th August 12, 11:46 AM

Originally Posted by Phil

But sadly you would not be meeting the expected level of dress. Turning up to an event where a tuxedo is required in an Argyll is tantamount to arriving in a lounge suit. Whatever you have been led to believe, an Argyll jacket is daywear only. It is fine for daytime weddings or funerals and is the highlandwear dress of choice for church elders at Holy Communion. Arriving at a formal evening event in an Argyll marks the wearer out as a 'hayseed' as I believe your compatriots would say. It simply is inappropriate for the occasion and should not be worn. Doublets are a moveable feast and can be worn from formal with a bow tie to uber formal with lace jabot and cuffs. The exception might be the military or montrose doublet which, by historical association, is quite acceptable and is only worn with lace jabot.
How one dresses is, of course, a matter of personal choice. In a society unacustomed to kilt wearing I can quite imagine that 'anything goes' so carry on regardless. Elsewhere, however, you may find that different standards prevail.

***

**sadkingbilly** · 7th August 12, 02:05 PM

I would never buy a PC, for the same reasons I don't own a tux - I'll never need it. I cannot imagine where I would wear it. Perhaps on a formal dinner on a cruise but then again, a cruise costs as much as a year of my mortgage. Not a chance of me coughing up that much money!

Of course I can imagine that someone with actual scottish blood might be more prone to wearing a formal evening outfit. I own two suits, a black one (very formal) and a grey one (formal) and one casual jacket (sand/yellow). Covered anything I ever happened upon until now

**OC Richard** · 8th August 12, 04:30 AM

Originally Posted by Phil

But sadly you would not be meeting the expected level of dress. Turning up to an event where a tuxedo is required in an Argyll is tantamount to arriving in a lounge suit. Whatever you have been led to believe, an Argyll jacket is daywear only. It is fine for daytime weddings or funerals

Perhaps interesting in this regard is what the Anderson 1936 catalogue has to say

**creagdhubh** · 8th August 12, 05:08 AM

Richard,

You added a statement (in parenthesis) that was not mentioned in my original post in which you quoted. That's a bit unfair mate, but no worries! Thank you for your most recent contribution in regards to the wearing of brogues in various forms, colours, and styles in the Scottish Regimental and civilian tradition through the centuries. I suppose I should have been more clear and/or detailed in my post you quoted.

I was implying that the tradition of wearing black leather brogues with the kilt (thus creating a mismatch of leathers) and no other colour, to include shades of brown or tan, may be attributed to a more recent tradition in which many Scottish Regiments adhere to and that carried over to civilian dress. This process has unfolded quite naturally I'm sure, since the tendency for Scottish Regimental veterans to follow similar "dress codes" whilst in civilian Highland dress seems to be rather prominent. I certainly could be incorrect in saying so, as I claim to be no expert on the matter, just a casual observer, but it is still an educated guess nonetheless.

Cheers,

**Mike_Oettle** · 8th August 12, 12:42 PM

Sadkingbilly wrote: “I own two suits, a black one (very formal) and a grey one (formal) and one casual jacket (sand/yellow).”

Well, rather than buy a special coatee/jacket for kilt wear, you could do what I am right now: having a suit jacket (charcoal) modified for kilt wear.
The main thing is to shorten it a bit, and to make sure the roundings in front at the bottom are adequate to allow room for the sporran. (I used a dinner plate to get the correct shape.)
Pictures will hopefully be ready next week.
In addition I am having some green cloth (left over from the making of my tam o’shanter) added to the collar and lapels, and to the cuffs, but this is an extra you need not worry about.
Regards,
Mike